Cars for the President

Cars for the President

The presentation of two Enterprise cars at the Merdeka
presidential palace on Thursday was realization of a promise made
earlier by the (South Korean) KIA car manufacturers to Gus Dur
(President Abdurrahman Wahid). When the promise was made during
Gus Dur's visit to Korea some time ago the news did not attract
much attention. The presence of the gift Enterprise cars at the
state palace, however, does raise a question: Is it proper for
the President to accept such expensive gifts, or whatever one may
call them?

The presence of these two luxury cars, for whatever reason
they were given, is certain to raise suspicions. The point is
that KIA was the maker of the Timor cars -- a project that is
still having problems over unpaid import duties and as a result
the project is under threat of closure by the government.

It would be wise for Gus Dur to reject the two automobiles as
it will be difficult to convince a critical public that there is
no hidden purpose behind the gift. Besides, Gus Dur should not
let cases like this mar the modesty and humility that
characterize his leadership.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta